James Wainscoat

James Paul Wainscoat, age 84 of Viborg, passed away in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on September 11, 2025.

James was born May 8th, 1941 in Alameda, California to Conrad and Tory Wainscoat. James grew up working in his parent’s bakeries in California and learned a trait that he would end up passing down to his children.

James joined the military in 1962 and received numerous medals including the Purple Heart Bronze Star. After his honorable discharge from the military in 1969, he became a police officer in Washington DC.

James met Rosaline Wurtz in Yankton, SD on one of his adventures while he traveled. They were married in Felton Park, Santa Cruz, California on June 3, 1990. The couple did a lot of traveling though the South until they brought their forever home in Viborg, SD in 2001.

James found enjoyment in baking for his family and friends. During the holidays he would spend with his family, teaching them the trait that his parents taught him many years before.

Anyone who knew James knew that he had a love for reading and learning, and could not pass up an opportunity for visiting a library. Along with all the reading, he also enjoyed listening to the news daily, in which everyone and his neighbors could hear. The last couple years his joy came from spending time with his grandbabies and his little friend Ezio.

James is survived by his wife Rose Wainscoat, his siblings Rebecca, Gregory, John (Julie), Marie, Christine (John), Hazel (Tony), Theresa (Kevein), Paul (Johanna), Patricia, Maryann (Ken), Elizabeth (Ron) and his children Annette (Charles), Paula, Denise (Joe), Pam (Bruce), Amy (Craig), Rachel, Judah, Ishayah (Erik), Lazarus, and Mattayah (Kyle), and 25 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren.

James was preceded in death by his parents Conrad and Troy, siblings Damon, Joseph, Antonia, and Lloyd. Brother-in-laws Bob, and Paul, and sister-in-law Kendall.

God bless the memory of James Wainscoat. When asked if he was ready , he replied I am ready & waiting to meet my Lord! Rest in peace, James.